How someone is screened and tested varies based on their gender, age, and even sexual orientation.
In some cases, individuals may first be diagnosed with HPV when they are diagnosed with a related cancer.
This may be done during a routine gynecological exam or specifically because HPV is suspected.
Illustration by Verywell
Remember, though, that the absence of warts does not mean you are clear of HPV.
The Pap results are usually returned in two weeks; HPV test results may take longer.
Both are typically covered by insurance.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
One of the greatest risk factors for cervical cancer is the absence of regular screening.
This group has a 37-fold greater risk of anal cancer compared to the general population.
Typically, these tests arenotcovered by insurance.
While the anesthetic injection used to numb the skin can be painful, the procedure itself is usually not.
Once removed, the tissue can be examined under the microscope.
Koilocytes will appear hollow or concave under the microscope and are characteristic of HPV infection.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
While dysplasia may progress to cancer over time, the risk is highly variable.
Low-grade dysplasia usually goes away on its own without treatment.
Fortunately, early diagnosis almost always confers to greater treatment success.
It can take years to show symptoms after HPV exposure, and some people never show symptoms.
There is no approved test to check for oral HPV (mouth or throat).
HPV is very common.
According to the CDC, “About 13 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year”.
World Health Organization.Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gynecologic cancers.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Men who have sex with men.
2018;320(7):687. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10400
The Oral Cancer Foundation.HPV/Oral cancer facts.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HPV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human papillomavirus (HPV).
